Horses are the most exciting pets one can own and they make good companions. In fact, they are very similar to humans with their own unique personalities. However, taking care of a horse is a very big responsibility and you will have to take good care of your horse to keep it happy and healthy. For giving proper care to your horse, you must imagine taking care of a 4-year-old child, as horses are of the same mentality. Here are some simple steps on how to take care of a horse.
Things Required:
- Halter
- Lead rope
- Grooming supplies
- Saddle and bridle
- Saddle pad
- Place to ride
- Hose with water
- Hoof pick
- Mucking out supplies
- Stabling for the horse
- Food
- Food bin
- Water bin
- Bedding
- Rugs
Steps:
- The first and most the most important thing is grooming. Everyday when you take your horse out for a ride you will have to groom him. Before the ride check your horse properly and see if there are any swellings or cuts, a small scratch is fine if it’s not deep.
- Once you are done checking your horse properly, then you can start with the process of grooming. They will always need to be curried, have their tail and mane brushed, and their hooves picked. You will always have to brush them with a hard brush and not a soft one.
- Next will be bridle and saddle. First, you will have to get the required tack, and then you can place the saddle on the horse. Next will be the saddle, for which you will have to tighten the girth and then ensure that the saddle fits properly to the horse. Now, you can put the reins on the horse’s head and the bit should be put in his mouth. If the horse does not listen and is trying to toss his head up, then you will have to get a taller person to help you or keep your hand on the forehead and then you can bridle him. Make sure that you check all the straps and then lead the horse in the riding area.
- Now, check the girth once again, some of the horses will puff out the girth once you have put it in. Start rolling down the stirrups and make sure that both the stirrups are long as your arm. Now, you can mount on the horse.
- After a while remove the tack and give your horse water to drink. You must never allow your horse to drink too much of water or they will become sick. If your horse is wet, then you will have to hose the horse above 52 Fahrenheit. If you are hosing them away, try using a sweat scraper for removing excess water. If your horse is getting scared of hose then just use a wet sponge to rinse it off. The horse will start rolling, but that is ok, since it’s normal.
- You will have to tend their stalls as well. Use straw, shavings or whatever works best with you. For this, you must get a pitchfork, bucket and then you can empty all the contents inside the bucket. Cover the wet spots as well. Make sure that you have covered all the wet spots or they will start smelling later on. However, your horse will not need a stall for surviving; they can live in pastures as well.
- Keep checking regularly if the horse has enough fresh water for drinking and always keep the water bucket clean. Keep feeding them as and when necessary. If you have adopted this horse, then speak to the previous owner about how much you need to feed them, what you must feed and how often. Always remember that you must try to keep their diet as simple as you can. Given them grass hay and clean oats and this will reduce their chances of colic as well. Make sure that once in a while you take your horses to a big field to eat grass.
Tips and Warnings:
- Always remember that you must not rush a horse. If you happen to rush your horse, then you won’t be able to build a good bond with him. Make sure that you have enough time to ride the horse and to take care of him.
- If you are around a new horse, then do not try to handle him alone, always do it in the presence of the owner. Never walk behind a horse, because sudden movements or noise can give a panic attack to the horse.
- Always make sure that there is no ragwart, poisonous plants or acorns, because if the horse eats them he will get sick.
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